IBBY Canada Named Host of IBBY’s 40th International Congress in Ottawa in 2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 24, 2021: IBBY Canada, the Canadian national section of the International Board on Books for Young People, is thrilled to announce that Canada has been selected to host IBBY’s 40th World Congress. The event will take place in Ottawa, Ontario from August 19 to 23, 2026.
IBBY’s biennial World Congress invites members, and those interested in the field of books for young people, from around the world to join together to make connections, share ideas, and expand horizons. The Congress features lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops, in addition to the IBBY General Assembly and presentations including the Hans Christian Andersen Awards and the IBBY Honour List. Every two years, a different National Section hosts the Congress, which attracts several hundred attendees.
IBBY Canada’s proposal to host was built on the theme Listening to Each Other’s Voices, expressed as Écouter la voix de l'autre in French and Pizindàdidà Ekidong in Algonquin. In a world that often seems divisive and cacophonous, this theme speaks to IBBY’s core values of plurality and inclusion — and aligns with IBBY Canada’s current programming and projects, including the Indigenous Picture Book Collection and the Readers & Refugees program.
IBBY Canada’s Board of Directors looks forward to beginning work on this hosting project, which supports our mission and serves one of the key values that stakeholders identified during strategic planning in 2019 for IBBY Canada’s 40th year. The membership was most interested in international relationships and the possibility to participate in the international programs, awards, and conversations.
“IBBY is very pleased that IBBY Canada has been selected as the host of the 40th IBBY World Congress,” says Liz Page, Executive Director of IBBY. “The strong international focus of IBBY is shown in the theme: Listening to Each Other’s Voices, reflecting the IBBY network where we listen to each other and support each other.”
“IBBY Canada is honoured and delighted to be chosen as host of the 40th IBBY World Congress!” says Patti McIntosh, President of IBBY Canada. “We look forward to welcoming over 350 international IBBY friends and colleagues to Ottawa for three days of connection, culture, celebration — and exploration of the Congress theme of Listening to Each Other’s Voices. Please mark your calendars!”
IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, was founded in 1953 and represents an international network of people committed to bringing books and children together. IBBY Canada, one of over 80 IBBY national sections worldwide, is a volunteer organization promoting quality French, English and Indigenous Canadian children's literature nationally and internationally. To become a member of IBBY Canada and to support our activities, please join us here.